But it's only recently that scientists discovered that essential rose oil contains more than 400 individual components. Which means that anyone who shops for rose scents before Valentine's Day would do well to give it some thought. Depending on which aspect the perfumer emphasizes, "rose" can smell green, spicy, powdery, sparkly, sweet, fruity, woody, earthy, dark or richly boozy.

One of the most beautiful rose soliflores (a one-note perfume) is Yosh Han's Sottile, which evokes a delicate tea rose opening its dewy petals at dawn.

Caron's Parfum Sacre's blend of rose, musk and incense is cozy and meditative for cold February days.

In summer, try lighter, sheer, 21st century roses: the cool incense of Eau d'Italie's Paestum Rose or the cracked black pepper of Le Labo Rose 31. Atelier's Rose Anonyme pops with citrus and vanilla, and Rose Poivre by the Different Company is cumin-kissed.

Stella by Stella McCartney balances among fresh, floral, amber, green and sweet rose. (The frosted purple bottle is a bonus.)

To channel your inner Marie Antoinette, try Frederic Malle's Portrait of a Lady (spices, patchouli, sandalwood, berries, incense) or Moroccan-inspired Serge Lutens. His Sa Majeste La Rose smells like rose liqueur, while Rose de Nuit is dark and sexy and the brand new Fille de Berlin is a cool retro rose floriental.

When only classic, old school French perfumery will do, Guerlain is your house, with Rose Barbare (jammy, honeyed) and Nahema (plummy, woodsy) set off by the famous Guerlinade base of vanilla, orris, dark animalics and resins.

The moody vetiver-rose pairing in L'Artisan's Voleur de Roses will have you humming Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart." On the dark end of the spectrum, try Czech & Speake's Dark Rose, By Kilian's Rose Aoud and Montale's Black Aoud, the subterranean goblin queen of all rose perfumes. It's not for everyone, so sample first.

If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to walk in Don Draper’s shoes — or Betty’s or Ken Cosgrove’s — thanks to an upcoming auction of “Mad Men” props, set pieces and costumes, you may have the opportunity to find out.